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UAE To Invest $10bn In Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund

Zoe Maven
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UAE To Invest $10bn In Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund

The United Arab Emirates will invest $10bn in Indonesia’s new sovereign wealth fund to be spent on projects inside Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.

The UAE state news agency reported on Tuesday that the funds which marks the biggest foreign investment commitment for the Indonesia, will be used for infrastructure, tourism, agriculture and other ‘strategic sectors’,

Indonesia welcomed the announcement and said it should “help narrow the gap between the domestic funding capacity and the need for development programmes.

Indonesia’s Investment Authority, INA seeks foreign funds as co-investors to finance the country’s economic development and aid coronavirus pandemic recovery.

Authorities earlier said the INA had also received commitments of up to $10bn prior to its launch, from global companies and agencies, such as the United States International Development Finance Corporation and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Fitch Ratings said on Monday that the launch of the INA is unlikely to reduce those companies’ debt levels in the short term, but Indonesia’s capacity to mobilise funds may be amplified if the fund is able to channel overseas capital into infrastructure.

Parenting: How to stop comparing yourself to other parents

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Parenting: How to stop comparing yourself to other parents

Why do we compare ourselves to others?

Humans are naturally creatures of comparison, but girls and women are especially vulnerable. Women are often implicitly trained to look to others for permission and to make sure they’re doing it right. And that urge only gets stronger when women become mothers.

As parents, we also compare ourselves to others because we want to do what’s best for our kids, so we search for areas we might be “falling short” in order to improve.

How can we reduce making comparison?

Comparing ourselves may feel like a reflex. But we don’t have to let it dictate our lives. These few tips can help.

Temper your triggers

What situations or actions typically spark your comparison making? For example, for most moms, social media is a huge issue.

Intellectually, we know that these images are highly curated and only tiny moments in time. But that doesn’t stop us from feeling awful when we see a mom hiking with her four kids, homemade lunches in tow — while our kids are staring at screens, snacking on leftover frozen pizza.

It’s important to limit how often you scroll through social media, uninstalling social media apps from your phone, and unfollowing anyone who makes you feel bad.

Join a supportive community

The more honest and open we are [about the realities of parenting], the more honest and open it allows others to be.

Of course, finding an authentic community can be hard.

You can start with one mom you feel really comfortable with and asking her about moms who are transparent about their experiences.

“For those moms who struggle with mental health issues, creating a support circle with other moms who are experiencing similar mental health challenges is essential.

Create mind-shifting mantras

When you start to compare yourself, repeat a mantra that resonates with you, such as “I am enough” or “Honor my way”.

You can also list a meaningful mantra or your positive traits on sticky notes and place them around your house. These visual reminders can instantly shift your perspective.

Focus on connection

The next time you’re worried about feeding your kids a gourmet meal or entertaining them with Pinterest crafts, remind yourself that kids remember how we make them feel and there are lots of ways — our own good enough ways — to make them feel seen, heard, understood, and loved.

For instance, some families games, while others connect over dance parties in the kitchen.

Be extra kind to yourself

As parents, when you are experiencing an especially bad day,  practice some self-compassion.

Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward oneself when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.

Niger Opposition Leader Challenges Election Court Verdict

Zoe Maven
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Niger Opposition Leader Challenges Election Court Verdict

Niger’s opposition and former president, Mahamane Ousmane has challenged the verdict of the Constitutional Court which upheld the election of Mohamed Bazoum as president.

The Constitutional Court on Sunday, confirmed Bazoum as the new president of Niger with over 55% of the vote, against 44.34% to Mahamane Ousmane.

But Ousmane denounced the court’s verdict as a violation of the Constitution describing the electoral proclamation illegal and an attempt to usurp his victory since his appeals have not been examined.

Ousmane also called for a peaceful march throughout the country, the mobilisation of the population and the support of the constituted bodies and the armed forces.

The Constitutional Court’s decisions are not subject to appeal.

Mohamed Bazoum, who succeeds incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou, will be inaugurated on April 2 as the tenth president of the Republic of Niger.

Simple ways to help someone having a Panic Attack

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Simple ways to help someone having a Panic Attack

A panic attack is a brief but intense rush of fear. These attacks involve symptoms similar to those experienced when facing a threat, including:

  • intense fear
  • a sense of doom
  • sweating or chills
  • shaking
  • pounding heart
  • difficulty breathing
  • head and chest pain

Panic attacks differ from a typical fear response because there’s no actual threat involved.

Panic attack triggers aren’t always easy to identify, so people who have one attack often worry about having more, especially in public.

Panic attacks usually feel very uncomfortable and cause significant distress. Many people believe they’re experiencing a heart attack or other life-threatening issue.

If you know someone who experiences panic attacks, there are several things you can do (and avoid doing) to help them in the moment.

Remain Calm

Keeping your cool is one of the best ways you can help.

Panic attacks usually don’t last long.

But someone having an attack may not have much concept of time as it happens. They might feel terrified or think they’re about to die.

Even if you feel a little afraid yourself, stay calm. If your voice seems to help (and they haven’t asked you to keep quiet), talk to them in a calm voice.

What to say

Try:

  • reassuring them you won’t leave
  • reminding them the attack won’t last long
  • telling them they’re safe

Ask how you can help

Most people who experience panic attacks or live with other types of anxiety have their own go-to coping methods. When offering support, keep in mind your loved one knows best when it comes to what will help most.

During an attack, however, they might find it harder to communicate this. Consider asking in advance how you can offer assistance if they experience an attack around you.

During an attack, it’s okay to calmly ask what you can do to support them. Just prepare for the possibility of a short or curt response.

What if they want me to leave?

As long as they’re not in immediate danger, take a few steps back and give them some space. Stay nearby so you can still keep an eye on things, and let them know that should they change their mind, you’ll come right back.

Learn the warning signs

If you haven’t already, take some time to familiarize yourself with the early signs of a potential panic attack.

Panic attacks commonly begin with:

  • a feeling of terror or dread
  • hyperventilation or shortness of breath
  • feelings of choking
  • a pounding heart
  • dizziness and shaking

Not everyone experiences panic attacks in the same way, so it’s best to ask what signs they tend to experience.

The sooner you realize what’s happening, the faster you can help them get to a more private place, or wherever they need to feel more comfortable.

Focus on action over words

A soothing, familiar voice helps some people, but try to avoid repeatedly saying things like “don’t worry” or asking them if they’re alright over and over.

Of course you mean well, but your words may not have much benefit in the moment. They can also make the situation more stressful, since your loved one may believe they’re doing something wrong by not being alright.

How to make your words more actionable

Take action with your words by:

  • asking if they want to leave the room and go somewhere else
  • reminding them to keep breathing
  • engaging them in light conversation, unless they say they don’t want to talk

Validate their distress

People often have a hard time sharing their experiences with mental health issues, including panic attacks.

Some avoid talking about mental health issues because they believe others won’t understand what they’re going through. Others worry about being judged or told what they experience isn’t a big deal.

Outsiders often don’t understand the fear caused by panic attacks and may even consider it illogical.

But the response is real, and the person experiencing the attack can’t control it.

An empathic response can be as simple as, “That sounds really tough. I’m sorry you experience that. Let me know what I can do to support you.”

What to avoid

If someone chooses to tell you about their panic attacks, take this as a sign of trust.

To show respect for their experience and honor this trust:

  • respond with compassion
  • be mindful of your words and actions, during an attack and at any other time

You might have all the best intentions, but it’s entirely possible to make someone feel bad without realizing you’re doing so.

Keeping these suggestions in mind can help you avoid unintentional harm:

Don’t compare normal stress and fear to panic

Maybe you’ve felt stressed or terrified in a dangerous situation. You might even have anxiety yourself.

These experiences aren’t quite the same as a panic attack, though. Avoid trying to draw comparisons between your different experiences. Unless you also get panic attacks, you probably don’t entirely understand how they feel.

If you have experienced extreme fear, let that memory inform you on what your friend is going through. Remind yourself they aren’t just afraid or stressed.

They may also feel:

  • helpless
  • unable to manage what’s happening
  • physical pain or discomfort

Don’t shame or minimize

It’s pretty common to worry about having a panic attack, especially in front of strangers, or believe the attack might annoy or inconvenience friends or loved ones.

Avoid saying things like:

  • “Just relax. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
  • “You’re upset over that?”
  • “What’s wrong with you?”

You might not intend to make your friend feel ashamed, but denying the reality of their distress can certainly have that effect.

North Korean Diplomats, Families Leave Malaysia After Broken Ties

Angel Gimalo
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North Korean Diplomats, Families Leave Malaysia After Broken Ties

North Korean diplomats have left their embassy in Malaysia.

This comes after the two countries cut diplomatic ties over the extradition of a North Korean to the United States on money laundering charges.

Malaysia expelled North Korean officials and their families on Friday, ordering them to leave the country within 48 hours.

On Sunday, they were seen at the airport checking in for a flight to Shanghai.

One North Korean official leaving the embassy slammed Malaysia for being “subservient” to Washington and said the incident was an anti-Pyeongyang conspiracy.

Ties between North Korea and Malaysia have been virtually frozen since the regime’s leader Kim Jong-un’s half-brother was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur airport in 2017.

Nigeria’s F.G Plans to Commit $3 Billion to Power Sector in 24 Months

Elizabeth Williams
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Nigeria’s F.G Plans to Commit $3 Billion to Power Sector in 24 Months

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed a plan to commit $3 billion to the power sector in the next two years.

The spending is expected to raise the current 4,900 megawatts (MWs) to at least 7,000MWs.

This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to President Buhari on Infrastructure, Ahmad Zakari, during a virtual meeting organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

Zakari noted that besides the $500 million loans the government secured from the World Bank earlier this year, it is expecting another facility from the African Development Bank (AfDB), saying that the gestures are a demonstration of confidence in the reforms of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Zakari noted that with renewed financial discipline in the sector following the recent intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), electricity tariffs are expected to hit N100 billion in the short to medium-term.

He stressed that if the sector were driven by the appropriate economics, there would be enough energy for the people, as the government plans to end subsidies by the end of the year.

He stated that the Buhari administration was focused on moving from the traditional way of funding subsidies or using the liquidity in the sector to fund consumption. Rather, he said, the subsidy budget would go into infrastructure that would ultimately lead to growth.

U.S. airlines: Low-cost carrier Frontier aims for $4.52 billion valuation in IPO

Elizabeth Williams
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U.S. airlines: Low-cost carrier Frontier aims for $4.52 billion valuation in IPO

As the Aviation industry prepares for a rebound from pandemic-driven travel lows; Frontier Group is aiming for a valuation of $4.52 billion in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing by the low-cost carrier on Tuesday.

U.S. airlines are beginning to emerge from the pandemic-induced crisis that has opened doors for carriers catering to domestic leisure travel, which is rebounding quicker than business and international travel, particularly as more people receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Budget carriers are also expected to bounce back quicker than larger rivals, thanks to their lower-cost structures and focus on domestic leisure travel.

Frontier, which withdrew listing plans in July, filed again this month, while Apollo Global Management-backed Sun Country Airlines made its successful stock market debut.

Frontier plans to sell 30 million shares priced between $19 and $21 per share, aiming to raise about $630 million.

Citigroup, Barclays, Deutsche Bank Securities, Morgan Stanley and Evercore ISI are the lead underwriters for Frontier’s offering.

Frontier will list its stock on the Nasdaq under the symbol “ULCC”.

New Research Paper Claims Academic Selection Traumatic For Children

Precious Obazee
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New Research Paper Claims Academic Selection Traumatic For Children

According to a briefing paper from Ulster University’s (UU) Unesco Education Centre, academic selection is traumatic for many children, creating damage which often endures into adulthood.

The paper argues that academic selection benefits a few generally already privileged pupils while damaging the life-chances of a large proportion of the school population.

Most Northern Ireland grammar schools use tests run by the AQE and PPTC to select pupils.

However, the tests were cancelled in 2021 due to disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.

One Belfast grammar school, St Mary’s Christian Brothers, recently said it would not use academic selection to admit pupils in 2022.

Researchers from the Unesco Centre of Education at UU have produced a number of briefing papers which examine aspects of Northern Ireland’s education system.

They trace the origins of the current form of academic selection back to the Northern Ireland Education Act of 1947.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin Says Constant Votes Very Troubling

Elizabeth Williams
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Israeli President Reuven Rivlin Says Constant Votes Very Troubling

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin on Tuesday urged the public not to be disheartened by the fourth round of elections in just two years, and called on citizens to exercise their right to try to break through the political deadlock.

For his part, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hoped this would prove “the last election” of the two-year political crisis.

Rivlin, who voted at a balloting station set up in a school in the Beit Hakerem neighborhood of Jerusalem, stressed the importance of the democratic process.

“I am doing this for the last time as president, but also as a very concerned citizen,” he said. “Even in the midst of the great difficulties we are in, elections for the Knesset are the holy of holies of our democracy.”

The president lamented that four rounds of voting in relatively quick succession were “harming public faith in the democratic process, but the power to influence is only in your hands. There is no other way.”

Many party leaders and prominent politicians voted early and likewise urged the public to participate in the election, while some warned of the dire consequences of a failure to back their parties.

Other right-wing party leaders also cast their votes in the hours after polling booths opened at 7 a.m.

Religious Zionism’s Bezalel Smotrich, voting in the West Bank settlement of Kedumim, expressed optimism that a right-wing government headed by Netanyahu was within reach.

Harmonised Retirement Age: Basic School Non-Academic Staff Union Protest Non-inclusion

Precious Obazee
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Harmonised Retirement Age: Basic School Non-Academic Staff Union Protest Non-inclusion

Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, have commenced a three day nationwide protest to pressure the Federal Government to include non teaching staff in primary and post primary schools in the Harmonised Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill (2021).

The Bill is expected to be transmitted to the National Assembly for enactment into law.

The Federal Government had excluded non teaching staff in a planned legislation to extend the retirement age of teachers to 65 years and the years of service to 40 years from the current 35 years as well as special salary scale and enhanced allowances.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari during the Teachers Day in 2020 announced the new incentives for teachers in public basic and secondary schools in Nigeria.

Addressing a protest at the National Assembly complex Abuja, Monday, the NASU FCT council chairman, Adebola Bamidele, said since the announcement by President Buhari the non teaching staff have been pushing for their inclusion in the new condition of service.

He said non teaching staff deserved to be included in the new condition of service as they are the engine room in schools.

He called on the Federal Government to include the Non-Teaching staff in the approved Special Teacher Pension Scheme to guarantee better welfare for them in retirement and also extend their retirement age to 65 years and length of service to 40 years.

The Union urged the federal and state governments to put an end to what it described as all discriminatory industrial relations practices against the Non-Teaching staff in the primary and post primary schools system.

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